U.S. President Donald Trump said on Thursday that he has been assured by credible sources that the Iranian government has halted deadly force against protesters and suspended planned executions, easing fears of an imminent military confrontation. Despite this, both Tehran and Washington continue to navigate a tense geopolitical standoff that has captured global attention.
Trump Signals De-Escalation After Protest Crackdown Reports
President Trump told reporters that he received “good authority” indicating that Iran’s crackdown on anti-government demonstrators has stopped and that no executions are expected to take place. He offered limited details on the source of this information but said it suggests a reduction in lethal violence that had drawn international condemnation. Trump’s comments follow warnings he issued earlier about potential action if Iran carried out death sentences.
Although Trump did not rule out future military options, his recent remarks marked a notable shift from earlier threats, and financial markets reacted with easing oil price volatility as investors weighed reduced risk of regional conflict.
Iran Denies Execution Plans, Denounces Foreign Interference
Iranian officials have publicly denied that executions of detained protesters are planned. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated in an interview that “there is no plan for hanging,” downplaying concerns about capital punishment and urging diplomacy over escalation.
The government also clarified that the execution of a protester had been postponed, and authorities emphasized that charges carried out under Iranian law would not necessarily lead to the death penalty for many detainees. Tehran’s leadership has accused external forces of stirring unrest and reiterated its sovereignty in handling domestic affairs.
Lingering Unrest and International Response
The nationwide protests, which erupted in late December over economic hardships and government policies, have turned into one of the most significant challenges to Iran’s leadership in years, with human rights groups estimating thousands of deaths and widespread arrests.
Global reactions include calls for restraint and talks of potential sanctions, even as regional tensions persist. The United Nations and international partners continue to monitor the situation, urging both de-escalation and dialogue between the United States and Iran to prevent further instability.
